I propose to take Questions Nos. 17 and 63 together.
The proposal of the EC Commission to allocate each member state an additional 1 per cent in quotas, which would be made available to priority category producers, was again discussed by the Council of Agricultural Ministers at its meeting on 23-24 October 1989. However agreement was not reached at that meeting. I would hope that a decision in the matter might be taken at the Council's next meeting in November.
I have welcomed the Commission's proposal to grant the additional quotas because I pressed for such an initiative during the price negotiations last spring. However, along with some other EC Ministers I have difficulties with the compensation element of the proposal.
I am aware of the suggestion that the additional quota should be allocated on a co-operative or dairy basis. I am also aware of the suggestion that 50 per cent of the quota should be reserved for new entrants. However I will not be making any decisions on the distribution of any additional quota until the Council's deliberations are concluded. I can, however, say that my main concern will be to give priority to certain categories of smaller scale producers and new entrants.